—Kel McKnight, B1Daily

The independent comic book scene just got a whole lot darker, and we mean that in the best possible way. Two Black comic book creators and YouTube personalities, Ernie Carothers, better known as Blerd Without Fear, and Charlie Wilson, the man behind Captain Diesel’s Dojo, have joined forces to unleash Tales of the Shadows: Hart of the Darkness x Reaper, a supernatural crossover that looks ready to give fans the kind of action-packed storytelling they’ve been begging for.

Forget waiting around for the big publishers to recognize the potential of Black-led supernatural comics. These two creators decided to make the crossover themselves, bringing their respective universes together for a 30-page horror-action adventure featuring demons, occult powers, ghostly companions, and two protagonists who aren’t particularly interested in playing nice with the forces of evil.

Two Heroes, One Supernatural Nightmare

The crossover introduces readers to James Wright, the protagonist of Reaper, a young man whose personal tragedy transformed him into a supernatural executioner tasked with eliminating demonic threats. Accompanied by his ghostly mentor Angel, James leaves the familiar streets of Georgia and ventures into Memphis, where the supernatural population apparently has no intention of behaving itself.

Waiting for him is Kellan Hart, the reluctant supernatural Judicator of Memphis and the protagonist of Hart of the Darkness. Older, more experienced, and carrying his own emotional baggage, Hart maintains order among the city’s supernatural inhabitants with help from his ghostly companion Kayla.

Their unlikely partnership becomes necessary when a demonic cult attempts to transform its leader into something considerably more dangerous. Naturally, this means two supernatural heavy hitters must put their differences aside and deliver a spectacular beatdown to the things lurking in the darkness.

Black Indie Comics Are Cooking

What makes this collaboration particularly exciting is that Carothers and Wilson aren’t simply talking about the comics they wish existed. They’re actually creating them. Both have established themselves as voices within online comic book fandom, and now they’re demonstrating how independent creators can turn that enthusiasm into original intellectual property.

The project features artwork by Eder Messias, whose credits include Supernatural and Sam Wilson: Captain America, with coloring by Alps. The campaign also offers multiple collectible covers, including artwork inspired by Sinners and the legendary anime Yu Yu Hakusho.

And fans have responded. The campaign surpassed its initial $3,000 Kickstarter goal, proving there’s an audience willing to financially support independent Black creators delivering original characters, supernatural horror, and unapologetic comic book spectacle.

The Fans Have Spoken

One of the most encouraging aspects of Tales of the Shadows is its accessibility. Digital copies start at $5, while physical editions begin at $15. There’s even a starter bundle featuring the crossover alongside the first issues of Hart of the Darkness and Reaper, giving newcomers an opportunity to explore both universes.

The campaign is scheduled to conclude on November 21, 2026, with rewards currently estimated for delivery in March 2027.

For fans constantly asking where the next generation of exciting Black comic book protagonists will come from, perhaps the answer isn’t hiding somewhere in Marvel or DC’s editorial offices. Perhaps they’re already here, fighting demons in Memphis while their creators build something entirely their own.

B1Daily’s verdict? Two Black indie creators, two supernatural universes, and one gloriously chaotic crossover. This is exactly the kind of independent comic book collaboration we want to see more of. The shadows are calling, and these creators came prepared.

Support the Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/blerdwithoutfear/tales-of-the-shadows-hart-of-the-darkness-x-reaper

—Kel McKnight, B1Daily